St. James' is a community where we come together in Christ to develop spiritually; find opportunities for outreach; receive comfort when in need; and engage in sacred experiences through our liturgy, music, fellowship, and mutual ministry.
COMING TOGETHER IN CHRIST
St. James' has more than 200 communicants in good standing. Many of our members have a long-term commitment to the parish: fifty-eight percent of respondents to our parish survey have more than twenty years of attendance and participation.
The average weekly attendance at Saturday and Sunday services is 70 people. Almost 175 people gathered for Easter celebrations this year.
We are a community of educators, health care professionals, homemakers, lawyers, farmers, engineers, salespersons, tradespeople, students, and retirees. A welcome to participation is extended without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, ability, or political opinion.
Staff
Four professional staff members provide crucial support for our parish mission. Each works part-time and is assisted by volunteers from the congregation.
The Administrative Assistant provides essential administrative support to the clergy and laity and managing communication to the parish. She also serves as the clerk of the vestry.
The Minister of Music provides choral and organ music for Sunday services and special occasions and conducts weekly adult choir rehearsals.
The Godly Play Program Director leads the Godly Play Sunday school program for children ages 4 through fourth grade.
The Sexton is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the main facility and the general upkeep of the grounds.
History
Episcopalians began meeting in Clinton as early as 1832 and St. James’ parish was formally organized in 1862. The present church on Williams Street was built in 1865 and the rectory was completed two years later. In its 154 years, St. James has had nineteen rectors, six of whom served the parish for more than ten years. To read more about our rich history, read our 150th anniversary brochure.
We are blessed with a community of people who feel we are doing well at being a church; but we desire to do better, and we are eager to meet the person who will work with us, grow with us, and help us achieve our dream of being a place where all feel welcome and loved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Clinton, New York
St James’ is located in Clinton, a village of nearly 2,000 residents, in central New York State. It is about nine miles south of Utica, forty miles east of Syracuse, and ninety miles west of Albany. The village of Clinton is within the town of Kirkland, which has more than 10,000 people.
The picturesque and historic community of Clinton was settled in the late 1700s. Following the design of an early New England village, it is centered around a village green with a fountain and gazebo. Clinton has a strong community spirit, a good quality of life, and many organizations and activities from which to choose.
Several organizations greatly contribute to the intellectual, cultural, artistic, and athletic life of our community. Hamilton College, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the country, is situated just west of the village. Since its founding in 1812, the college has been an influence on village life. The Kirkland Art Center, located on the village green, is a second major presence in village life. The Art Center offers classes, art exhibits, a coffee house with live folk music, and other events. The Kirkland Town Library, with almost 10,000 cardholders, is located just a few blocks west of the church and the thousand-member Clinton Historical Society is just a few blocks east.
Clinton Central School District has a village campus which contains the elementary, middle and high schools. It also houses the Performing Arts Center, which hosts community as well as school performances of musicals, symphony orchestra concerts, and ballets. The school district has a reputation for excellence in academic, artistic, musical, dramatic, and athletic programs. Over 1,400 students are enrolled in the system.
The Clinton village green is a focal point for many community events. The artistic fountain, gazebo, and welcoming benches invite you to relax and enjoy the ambience. In summer there are concerts, farmers’ markets, book sales, Town and Gown events, and a 5K race sponsored by the art center. In winter the square is transformed into a beautifully lit winter wonderland, for shopping and greeting neighbors. Clinton is also home to an ice skating arena, swimming pool, park, and an historic cider mill, plus many and varied shops, cafes, and restaurants. Local churches include Methodist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends, Assembly of God, and Roman Catholic.
Campus
The St. James’ property includes two buildings on approximately .75 acres on a side street in Clinton’s historic district. It is within easy walking distance of the village center.
The church and rectory were constructed in the mid 1860s. They are wood frame structures on stone foundations with board and batten siding, painted light yellow with white trim. The church is handicapped-accessible, with an outside ramp, a ramp to the altar, and handicapped-accessible restroom. Classrooms located on the lower level of the main building are used for the Day School program during the week.
The attached two-story rectory was extensively refurbished in 2002 and currently is receiving additional attention. It has a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a rear porch, and a detached two-car garage.
Although St. James’ buildings date from the nineteenth century, additions and changes over the years have kept the structures in very good condition without compromising the early Carpenter Gothic appeal of the architecture. Modern improvements have been made to the roof, the windows, the parish hall, the kitchen, entrances, drainage, heating system, lighting, and landscaping to name a few.
The community of St. James’ feels that an attractive, well-maintained property provides the positive setting to help us do our work in the parish and the community. We take our commitment to our historical heritage very seriously in a community that takes pride in its history.
Surrounding Area
Clinton is located in the southern part of Oneida County, a mostly rural region characterized by rolling hills, forests and farmland. Abundant year-round outdoor recreational opportunities are available, including hunting, fishing, and cross-country and downhill skiing. The Adirondack Mountains, within an hour’s drive to the north, provide hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, camping, and boating opportunities. The Adirondack State Park is the largest state park in the United States.
Utica is our nearest city. It provides hospitals and specialty clinics, Utica College, and the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute, one of the leading small art museums in the country. The Mohawk Valley Ballet, Utica Zoo, Utica Children’s Museum, and the Utica Public Library call Utica home. The Stanley Theater, a nationally renowned historic theater, offers productions by touring theatrical companies. Each summer, Utica hosts the nation’s top 15K race, the Boilermaker, with up to 15,000 runners.
Utica is a crossroads and a true melting pot of many ethnic groups and cultures. These influences are found in the multiple churches, restaurants, markets, and festivals. The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees has worked for decades to welcome immigrants and further this diversity. The city has an architectural heritage which is impressive and well-maintained.
Forty miles to the west, Syracuse offers many additional health care, shopping, educational, and cultural opportunities. Our diocesan headquarters are located in Syracuse.
Clinton is ten minutes from the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90. It is four or five hours from Toronto, New York City, Boston, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, and other major metropolitan centers. Utica boasts the largest Amtrak station between New York and Chicago. Syracuse and Albany offer nearby international airports.
